Hands On Bird Photography Workshop

What to Expect

During the first portion of this two-part class, Denise will share many images that demonstrate some of the techniques that she will be sharing to help you in the field. I will cover many things including:

Getting close to your subject -learning their behavior and how doing so will help you in the field.

Composition – including image design, head angle, light angle, wind direction and how it plays an important part in the success of your bird photographs. Guidelines for composition and how best to step over those lines.

Shutter speeds, Aperture and ISO settings.

When it is best to work in Manual mode.

Sunny 16 rule and how it can help you in the field.

Flight photography techniques.

Tips for working on a tripod.

Gear selection and how it affects you.

Question and answer time.

Hands-on work will begin the in second half of the workshop. During this section, participants will have the chance to try out many of the techniques shared in the earlier session. Denise will be in the field guiding you with your exposures, settings and composition. She will also demonstrate first-hand some of the techniques that she uses on a daily basis to capture some of her award-winning shots. Participants will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the birds of prey.

There will be four different owls available for the shoot! The birds we photograph are provided by the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia (RCV). There will be two handlers available to answer any questions you may have. Please be respectful of the other folks in the workshop and allow everyone to have equal time to ask questions. All of the birds that RCV brings are rehabilitated/rehabilitating birds.

What to Bring

Bring your camera body and fully charged batteries. Don’t forget your memory card and have back up. Flash is allowed but may not be needed. It will depend on the situation. Denise always opts for no flash whenever possible. A better beamer will not be needed as we will be very close. We need to stay back 6 feet. A sturdy tripod unless you plan on hand holding.

Lens selection – any of the below lenses would be a good option. You may choose to bring multiple lenses.

A medium telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm, 100-400mm, 300mm lens, 400mm lens would all work. Denise will most likely bring a 300mm lens and a 70-200mm lens with both teleconvertors. A large super telephoto like a 600mm lens may be overkill.

In the event of rain or inclement weather, there will be a tent nearby. Please still bring something to cover your gear – even a plastic garbage bag will work.

Do’s and Don’ts

Please do not get overly excited and get too close. The closest you should ever be is 6-10 feet. The birds are wild and although they are somewhat accustomed to having people photograph them they are not domesticated birds and should not be treated as pets. Their talons are sharp as are their beaks and they are meat eating wild birds. Although humans are not in their diet, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. In addition to your own safety, there is the safety and well-being of the birds to consider. Never allow your behavior to affect the birds in a negative way. No smoking, eating or chewing gum during any of my bird photography workshops.